초록 ▼

An automatic vending machine is disclosed that operates in response to a card inserted by a user. The card contains identification information which is used to access data stored in a memory device regarding the amount of money the user has credited to his account. If the account balance exceeds the

An automatic vending machine is disclosed that operates in response to a card inserted by a user. The card contains identification information which is used to access data stored in a memory device regarding the amount of money the user has credited to his account. If the account balance exceeds the purchase price of a desired item, the item is supplied to the user and the amount of the purchase is deducted from his account. A user may increase his account balance at any time by inserting money into the machine. Security is maintained through the use of a security code which the user inputs into the machine after the card is inserted.

대표청구항 ▼

A vending machine for dispensing merchandise, said vending machine comprising: card reading means for reading identification information stored on a card inserted into the vending machine by a user of the machine; storage means for storing a credit balance of said user, said credit balance being acc

A vending machine for dispensing merchandise, said vending machine comprising: card reading means for reading identification information stored on a card inserted into the vending machine by a user of the machine; storage means for storing a credit balance of said user, said credit balance being accessed according to said identification information; comparison means for comparing the price of an item requested by the consumer with said credit balance; and dispensing means for dispensing an item to said user in response to a signal from said comparison means.